The trail to Blue Lake is pretty any time of year, rising up through forests and surrounded by craggy Cascade Mountain peaks. In the fall season, it is even better. Bright yellow golden larch trees line the ridges, showing off their unusual coniferous fall color change. Below them, a rainbow of colors wash down the hillside meadows in reds, oranges, yellows, and greens.

Golden larch yellow trees on Blue Lake Trail in Okanogan National Forest Cascade Mountains

Golden larch trees below Cascade Mountain spires



Hiking Blue Lake Trail with fall golden larches and multi-colored meadows

Hiking the Blue Lake Trail



Golden larch yellow trees and fall color meadows along Blue Lake Trail in Okanogan National Forest Cascade Mountains

Fall color meadows and golden larches



Family hiking up Blue Lake Trail with multi-colored fall meadows

Hiking up Blue Lake Trail with valley and mountain backdrop



Hiking through the colorful meadows



Approach to Blue Lake across outflow stream

Approach to Blue Lake across its outflow stream



Blue Lake with golden larch yellow tree

The cirque around Blue Lake



Family at Blue Lake in Okanogan National Forest in Cascade Mountains

Blue Lake shoreline